FUMCA - Counseling Ministry

The community of the First United Methodist Church recognizes that a wide range of problems may have an adverse effect on your Christian pilgrimage. Each of us seeks to experience abundant life in Christ, but no one is exempt from problems that contribute to broken relationships, spiritual and emotional distress and other disabling conditions. Often we get stuck and need assistance.

In the interest of helping you along your pilgrimage toward Christlikeness, we provide a counseling ministry to deal with problems you or a member of your family may be experiencing. If you are encountering difficulty, I urge you to call 668-2344.

-Kip Laxson, Pastor

What is the Counseling Ministry at First United Methodist Church?

The counseling ministry is a single, convenient resource for confidential and professional assistance when personal problems arise. These include, but are not limited to:

· Marital and family difficulties

· Alcohol and substance abuse

· Spiritual, psychological and emotional distress

· Bereavement

· Job stress, work difficulties or problems with co-workers

· Life changes

· Parenting

· Blended family relationships

· Depression

· Difficulty with anger or violence

Who provides the counseling service?

Alan Swindall, M.A., M.Div., an ordained minister and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist provides counseling for this ministry. His training, background, and experience as a pastor, chaplain, counselor and educator provide him with the skill to assist with a wide variety of issues. He can assist with appropriate referrals and coordinate counseling with your physician should such services be necessary.

How do I obtain counseling?

Counseling sessions are by appointment, with morning, afternoon and evening hours available. To request information or to make an appointment, call 668-2344. Leave a confidential voice-mail message if the counselor is in session and cannot answer the call. Include your name and telephone number at which you wish to be called. The counselor will return your call to answer your questions and arrange an initial meeting. Or emailAlan at aswindall@charter.net

What else do I need to know?

Jesus said, “I have come to give you abundant life”. Counseling is a process that seeks for you and your partner, parents, and/or other family members or significant other persons (supervisor, colleague, friend, etc.) to experience abundant life as you better understand yourself, others and the interactions between or among you. The goal of counseling is to achieve a healthier life for you, your marriage and family. As interactions improve, more abundant life can be experienced. Counseling efforts will close when the desired goals are adequately attained.

Sessions are normally 50 minutes in length. Fees are $80.00 per session. Special financial arrangements can be discussed prior to the first session.